Ban imposed on plastic, non-biodegradable waste in Bhaderwah forest area

Srinagar, July 21: The Divisional Forest Officer of Bhaderwah has imposed a ban on the carrying, littering, dumping, or burning of plastic and non-biodegradable waste, as well as any other activities that may cause damage or pollution in the forest areas of the Bhadarwah Forest Division.In an official order issued by Devender Kumar, the Divisional Forest Officer of Bhaderwah said it has been observed that the indiscriminate carrying, littering, dumping, and burning of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials in the forested areas  of the Bhaderwah Forest Division is inflicting significant harm on the delicate forest ecosystem, wildlife habitats, soil health, and water resources;”Such activities contravene the provisions of Sections 26 and 33 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, which prohibit all actions that cause damage or pollution in reserved and protected forests,” the order said.The Forest Officer said that the Jammu and Kashmir Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, in conjunction with SRO 243 dated 05-08-2011, forbids the use and improper disposal of non-biodegradable materials and stipulates penalties under Section 10 for violations, empowering forest officers to act under the aforementioned Act.Nevertheless, plastic waste presents long-term threats to forest biodiversity and contributes to forest fires, pollution, blockages in natural water channels, and ingestion-related fatalities among wildlife;Devender Kumar said that, in the exercise of the powers granted to me under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the J&K Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, in conjunction with SRO 243 dated 05-08-2011, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and in the interest of conserving forests and ensuring public safety:It is hereby ordered that the transportation of single-use plastics, polythene bags, disposable cups or plates, plastic wrappers, PET bottles, and other non-biodegradable plastic items into forested areas within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bhaderwah Forest Division is strictly forbidden.”Littering, discarding, dumping, burning, or any form of disposal of plastic or non-biodegradable waste within the forest areas of the Bhaderwah Forest Division, particularly in all the water bodies such as Neru Nalla, Jai Nalla, springs, lakes, or other water bodies. All tourist destinations which including Jai Valley, Chinta Valley, Guldanda, Padri, Bal Padri, etc is prohibited with immediate effect.Employees have been directed to conduct regular patrols, inspections, and awareness campaigns, erect signage at forest entry points, along roadsides, and at tourist sites, and take punitive measures, including the seizure and compounding/challaning where applicable.Devender Kumar said  that tourists, pilgrims, locals, and commercial operators are strictly advised against bringing, using, or disposing of plastic or non-biodegradable items within forest areas.”All waste must be carried back and deposited only at authorized disposal points outside forest boundaries in the case of plastic-packaged food items such as cold drinks, chips, etc,” he said.A penalty of up to Rs. 50,000 may be imposed under Section 68 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Additionally, a fine of up to Rs. 25,000 and potential prosecution may occur under Section 54 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, where applicable.